Interview - Justin Bourne
Hockey talk with the NHL analyst and ex-hockey player
Hello, welcome to the new blog. The second interview is here. My guest is an NHL analyst for Sportsnet, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne podcast, and an ex-AHLer, Justin Bourne.
Introduce yourself briefly.
Hello, Justin Bourne here, I'm a former pro player and coach who's now an NHL analyst for Sportsnet.
You used to play hockey until the jaw injury came. Do you think you would eventually play some NHL games?
No, I definitely would not have. There was a future for me in the sport - I had been considering some contracts in Europe - but the NHL was out of the question for me by the time I suffered my career-ending injury.
Who was the best player you ever played with?
I got to spend some time on a line with Kyle Okposo in the AHL. My college conference was loaded with talent though, so I played against Toews, Oshie, Pavelski, Suter, Kessel, Vanek, Wheeler, Backes, and a bunch of other stars.
You previously worked as a video coach at Marlies and are currently an analyst on Sportsnet. Would you be open to another coaching job in the future?
That's a good question, not right now if it involved travel while my kids are so young. If I could do video work or something for a team, I would consider it. But I love my job now.
Try to describe the job of a video coach? What's his main purpose in team tactics?
I imagine it varies from team to team, but in sum, it was to prepare our team for our upcoming opponents by scouting about two games, and documenting their systems and tendencies. I'd then sit with the head coach (Sheldon Keefe) and discuss ways to combat the other teams plans and strengths. Then I'd make up PowerPoint sheets to post in the room to lay those out to players, so they could go over them before they were discussed verbally in meetings (with a video that I would have clipped).
What was your first thought about Giordano coming home? Do you think he would re-sign in Toronto?
I thought that there wasn't much out there for big name talent, so it was a good get. And I think if the team has team success, he'll be back for sure. But a first round loss and the ensuing media blowback may turn him off.
Toronto signed and a few hours later lost Sateri. He's played 3 games since and hasn't overcome .850 SV%. What is the problem? Do you think he will stay in the NHL? Would Toronto be interested again?
I think it's hard to play goal behind a bad team, and Arizona is awful. I think he'll get a shot at some point for a more competitive team.
It's been 29 years since the Canadian team won the SC. Toronto and Calgary have been looking good recently. Is it time to end the drought?
The smart money here is on "no," but I am biased and do think both teams have a chance to do something special.
Did any of your articles cause a conflict with a player?
Hmm, not really, no. I get the odd DM on Twitter telling me I got something wrong, but I try to be fair and back up my opinion with stats/video, so if I have those at my disposal, some points about their poor play are tough to refute.
Which NHL team has the brightest future?
Among the awful teams, I think Ottawa has real talent and with the potential ownership situation changing, maybe their philosophy (not spending on good players) will change and they'll get some traction.
Best hockey-related memory?
Winning a junior hockey championship in the BCHL!
You have the right to choose the next NHL club. Where would you place it and how would you name it?
We're desperate in Canada my man, give me the Quebec Nordiques part deux
How do you like to spend your free time?
My kids are 5 and 2 and I'm writing a book, so I don't have much of it. But I do like to read (some mix of fiction/non-fiction, currently have Atlas Shrugged and Superforcasting on the go), golf, and run (the latter mostly to get out of the house for 30 mins and get moving).
Favorite dish/favorite cuisine?
Ukrainian on my mom's side, perogies.
Do you have any plans for the future?
Just the book! Down and Back: Family, alcohol, and the value of putting in the work.
If you want to say something at the end, feel free.
I appreciate the interest in me! I consider myself blessed to get to cover sports for a living, it's cool that you're doing the same, and I wish you nothing but the best!